The Friends actress told Allure magazine that she's sick of being judged for not starting a family with fiancé Justin Theroux.

The 45-year-old said: "I don't like [the pressure] that people put on me, on women, that you've failed yourself as a female because you haven't procreated.

"I don't think it's fair. You may not have a child come out of your vagina, but that doesn't mean that you aren't mothering - dogs, friends, friends' children."

She also claims she's been called 'selfish' for putting her career before a family – which she insists isn't true.

She said: "Oh, God, so many painful things. The accusation that I've put my career before the want, the desire to be a mother.

"This continually is said about me: that I was so career-driven and focused on myself; that I don't want to be a mother, and how selfish that is."

Jennifer believes there's unnecessary pressure on women to give birth, adding: "I have a lot of friends who decided not to have children, who can't have children, or are trying but are having a difficult time."

She went on: "There's all sorts of reasons why children aren't in people's lives, and no one has the right to assume.

"Its quite rude, insulting, and ignorant.

"Even saying it gets me a little tight in my throat."

She said of her relationship with fiance Justin: "He's a nurturer. He is so fiercely loyal. Beyond protective. I mean, the way he takes care of our dogs, he takes care of me, he takes care of friends."